Elaeagnus angustifolia was first planted as an
ornamental tree and for wildlife cover and sometimes escapes. The leaves
are simple and alternate and the margins are entire (no teeth). The
twigs and undersides of leaves are covered with silvery scales. Thorns
may or may not be present. Elaeagnus umbellata
is similar but the leaves tend to be a bit wider and the silvery scales
on the leaves and twigs often have a few brown scales mixed in. Also
the fruit of
Elaeagnus umbellata is a red juicy berry, as opposed to the silvery
dry fruit of Russian olive shown above.